TREATMENTS &
RESEARCH

Search the
latest
treatment
information
here.

Dr. Huntley's
Diagnosis
Checklist

Have a symptom?
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
 
Diseases » Achalasia » Diagnosis
 

Diagnosis of Achalasia

Diagnostic Test list for Achalasia:

The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Achalasia includes:

Achalasia Diagnosis: Book Excerpts

Diagnostic Tests for Achalasia: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about diagnostis of Achalasia.


REGURGITATION, ESOPHAGEAL: Ask the Following Questions:
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)

  1. Is there dysphagia? The presence of difficulty swallowing should suggest carcinoma of the esophagus, esophageal strictures, esophageal diverticulum, achalasia, aortic aneurysm, and other mediastinal masses.
  2. Is there significant weight loss? The presence of significant weight loss suggests carcinoma of the esophagus and esophageal stricture. It is also found in the late stages of achalasia.
  3. Is there heartburn? Several of the conditions associated with esophageal regurgitation may be accompanied by heartburn, but reflux esophagitis and gastric ulcer are the most common.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

Most disorders will be diagnosed by an upper GI series with an esophagogram and esophagoscopy with a biopsy. A Bernstein test, esophageal pH monitoring, and esophageal manometry may be useful in diagnosing reflux esophagitis. A CBC, serum iron, ferritin, and iron-binding capacity will help diagnose Plummer-Vinson syndrome. An ANA titer and skin biopsy will help diagnose scleroderma. A CT scan of the mediastinum will help diagnose most mediastinal masses, and angiography will be useful in diagnosing an aortic aneurysm.

 

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, 2003

Esophageal diverticula: Diagnosis
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

CONFIRMING DIAGNOSIS X-rays taken following a barium swallow usually confirm the diagnosis by showing characteristic outpouching.

Esophagoscopy can rule out another lesion; however, the procedure risks rupturing the diverticulum by passing the scope into it rather than into the lumen of the esophagus, a special danger with Zenker’s diverticulum.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Esophageal diverticula: Diagnosis
(Handbook of Diseases)

A barium esophagogram usually confirms the diagnosis by showing characteristic outpouching. Esophagoscopy isn’t performed because the scope may be passed into the diverticulum and can cause a rupture.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003


 » Next page: Signs of Achalasia

Rate This Website

What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:

Website User Survey

Medical Tools & Articles:

Next articles:

Tools & Services:

Medical Articles:

Forums & Message Boards

 
HONcode We subscribe to the HONcode principles

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.

Home | Symptoms | Diseases | Diagnosis | Videos | Tools | Forum | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Advertise